New study sheds light on the role of social media in promoting sensual beauty

The Internet influences the perception of an ideal figure

A recent study published in the journal Sex Roles provides new insight into the relationship between social media use and body standards among young women. The study showed that the active use of social networks is interconnected with the curvy body shapes of celebrities on display there, which are beginning to change the idea of ​​young people about the ideal figure.

The study’s authors sought to better understand society’s changing beauty standards and their impact on women’s body image and self-perception.

The “thin ideal” is a common feature of “canonical” beauty that emphasizes thinness as the embodiment of female attractiveness. This concept has dominated Western culture for decades. In contrast to the thin ideal, the “sensual ideal” promotes a curvier, more muscular figure and is reminiscent of the hourglass figure that has become desirable again in modern culture. Influential celebrities and social media personalities have played a significant role in popularizing this body type.

“I became interested in the influence of media on human body image when I was in graduate school. This interest has grown exponentially since the advent and popularity of social media, which provides people with a wealth of body-focused images,” said study author K. Megan Hopper. He added, “One of my co-authors, Ana Belmonte, realized then that social media was moving away from the typical idealized skinny body shape and instead idealizing curvier figures. The ideal, although different from a very thin physique, is still unattainable for many.”

189 female students took part in the study. Respondents were asked to complete an anonymous online questionnaire that examined various aspects of their social media use and its impact on body image perception.

Participants reported the average amount of time they spent on the platforms daily, in both minutes and hours. The intensity of their engagement was assessed using a modified version of the scale, which included items designed to measure emotional connection to the platform and its integration into daily life. Participants also completed a test designed to assess how often they compared their appearance to that of other people.

To assess the “sensual” body ideal, the researchers modified the ideal body stereotype scale – they revised it, changing the emphasis from thinness. Participants rated their agreement with statements praising sensual body shapes on a scale from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree.”

Interestingly, researchers found that the intensity of social media engagement has a more profound impact on body image perceptions than the amount of time spent on the platform itself. Participants who reported higher usage were more likely to perceive the platforms as an important source of information about appearance ideals.

“Frequent use of social media can affect how people see their own bodies compared to what is so often on display,” Hopper explained to PsyPost. “Indeed, heavy internet use is due to people feeling that the social networking site is an important source of information and pressure on them about appearance, especially informing us that those with a curvy body type are ideal.”

This study paves the way for further exploration of how such platforms influence perceptions of ideal body type. With the rise in plastic and cosmetic procedures aimed at achieving these ideals, it is critical to consider the psychological and physical health implications of such societal pressures.

The researchers plan to “continue to study the influence of sensual body ideals and how this ideal may influence people’s perceptions of their own body value.”